Question:  Hello again, Greg,

            Hope things are well at PTM.  I for one am very proud of what PTM is doing!  My question is, what do you think of the “prayer of Jabez” movement?  As always, thanks for your insight.

            In Jesus,

            Steve

Answer:  Dear Steve,

            “The Prayer of Jabez” seems to be yet another enormously successful economic venture that lacks biblical grounding.  We are asked to believe that repetition of a prayer uttered by an obscure Old Testament personality will “enlarge our borders”, etc.  Yet the New Testament clearly gives us deeper insight into prayer.  Prayer is not a matter of saying the right words, like some kind of superstitious, mystical incantation.  Prayer is not a matter of getting something from God.  Prayer is much more than that.

            While the “Prayer of Jabez” folks are quick to point out that this idea is not based upon the Health and Wealth gospel, many are not convinced, including PTM.

            It would seem that Christianity has, for 2000 years, “gotten along” without the “Prayer of Jabez”.  When Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them to pray, there is no record that he recommended the “Prayer of Jabez”.

            The Sept/October 2001 issue of “The Plain Truth” has an article on the “Prayer of Jabez”, offering further insight and commentary.  We realize that not everyone will agree, but we believe our material is based upon the Bible.

            Hope this helps, Steve—we thank you for your support and prayers.  May God be with you and bless you.

            In Christ,

            Greg Albrecht